Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and U.S. Secretary of State MarRubio, during the 6th Greece–U.S. Strategic Dialogue in Athens.

Mr. Gerapetritis described the joint launch of the sixth round of the Strategic Dialogue as a “great honor,” welcoming Marco Rubio not only as the Secretary of State of an allied country, but also as “a statesman of international standing, a profound expert on the region, and a friend of Greece.”

As he noted, the dialogue is taking place at a time of “intensifying strategic competition, heightened geopolitical instability, and major realignments” in the broader region. “The strategic dialogue between the United States and Greece has become a constant that reflects the very high level of our relations, as well as our shared commitment to further deepening strengthen the transatlantic bond, and promote international and regional stability and security,” he emphasized.

The Greek Foreign Minister also referred to Cyprus, describing it as “an integral part of the security architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean.” At the same time, he stressed the need to find a solution for the reunification of the island within the framework of the decisions and resolutions of the UN Security Council, based on international law, dialogue, and diplomacy.

The Vertical Corridor and LNG Take Center Stage

The Greek Foreign Minister made special mention of energy cooperation between Greece and the U.S., noting that it has reached an “unprecedented level.” As he noted, Greece’s pivotal role has been highlighted through the Vertical Corridor, which serves as the “backbone” for the transport of U.S. liquefied natural gas to Central and Eastern Europe.

Mr. Gerapetritis also referred to the Greek-owned merchant fleet, which, he said, transports more than 20% of LNG to global markets, thereby strengthening energy stability, security, and resilience.

At the same time, he highlighted the increased presence of U.S. energy companies in Greece, particularly in the field of exploration and development of offshore hydrocarbon deposits. “This demonstrates the confidence the United States has in the Greek economy and in our investment environment,” he noted, while also referring to U.S. investments in Greece, particularly in high-tech companies and shipyards.

F-16 Viper and F-35 in defense cooperation

In the field of defense, George Gerapetritis described the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement as a fundamental bilateral treaty governing relations between the two countries. “Souda and Alexandroupoli are precisely the locations that highlight Greece’s pivotal role in the security architecture and the United States’ strategic presence in the region,”, he said.

At the same time, he referred to the upgrade of the Greek F-16s to the Viper version and the integration of fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets into the Greek Air Force. As he emphasized, these developments “do not merely strengthen the power and resilience of Greece’s defense,” but also highlight the steadfast defense cooperation between the two countries.

“Greece has become a provider of security”

The Greek foreign minister also referred to Greece’s broader role as a security actor in the region. As he said, the country has become a “provider of security” for other countries, playing a leading role in European Union naval operations, including Operation Shield in the Red Sea and Operation Atalanta.

At the same time, he emphasized that Greece is a member of the UN Security Council, a member of the European Union and NATO, and maintains strategic relations with countries such as Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

He made special mention of the 3+1 framework, involving Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States, noting that it has evolved from an energy framework into a “very powerful geopolitical multilateral framework.”

Cyprus and the Western Balkans

Mr. Gerapetritis also referred to Cyprus, describing it as “an integral part of the security architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean.”

He emphasized the need to find a solution for the reunification of the island within the framework of the decisions and resolutions of the UN Security Council, based on international law, dialogue, and diplomacy.

At the same time, he placed particular emphasis on the European perspective of the Western Balkans, stressing that their European path is a guarantee for prosperity and for preventing the resurgence of “outdated forms of nationalism” in the region.

“Our ties are also linked to the revolutions”

The Greek foreign minister made special mention of the historic ties between Greece and the U.S., on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 205th anniversary of the Greek Revolution.

“Our destinies are linked by revolutions,” he said, emphasizing that the Greek spirit and the values of Greek culture served as inspiration for the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence, while the U.S. Constitution of 1787, in turn, served as an inspiration for the Greek constitutions of the War of Independence.

Mr. Gerapetritis also referred to Thomas Jefferson’s letter to Adamantios Korais in 1823, emphasizing the historical ties between the two peoples. “Mr. Minister, these are the ties that bind us. Welcome to Athens,” he concluded.

Rubio: “Greece is a source of stability in an unstable world”

For his part, Marco Rubio thanked George Gerapetritis and underscored the importance of the 6th Strategic Dialogue. “It is a great pleasure for me to be here for the 6th Strategic Dialogue. It is an event that demonstrates the commitment of both countries. We are working together on a wide range of issues,” he said.

The U.S. Secretary of State spoke of a “long history of friendship, partnership, and alliance” between Greece and the United States. As he emphasized, the importance of the alliance is growing even greater due to international developments.

“We are seeing unrest in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, the Red Sea, and Yemen. There are, of course, destabilizing events, such as the war in Ukraine,” he noted. “It is a source of stability in an unstable world, and I am grateful. We are grateful that Greece remains a great ally,” he emphasized.

“Greece is taking on a greater share of the responsibility”

Marco Rubio placed particular emphasis on Greece’s defense spending, noting that the country is taking on a greater share of the responsibility for Europe’s defense. “We agree that European nations must take on a greater share of responsibility for defending the continent, and Greece is doing exactly that,” he said.

He also referred to the cooperation program with Florida, which, he said, will strengthen military cooperation.

The U.S. Secretary of State also described Greece as a “very close partner” in border security, in addressing illegal immigration, in combating international crime, and in counterterrorism matters.

New Greece–U.S. Memorandum of Understanding on Counterterrorism and Information Sharing

Marco Rubio announced a new memorandum of cooperation in the field of security. “We are proud to announce a new memorandum of cooperation that establishes a security program focused on counterterrorism and information sharing between our law enforcement agencies,” he said.

As he explained, the goal is to strengthen cooperation among the relevant authorities in the face of common threats. “Under no circumstances do we want to see the cradle of Western civilization threatened by bad decisions, by a single action, by violations, or by a failure to address threats,” he emphasized.

Energy, Technology, and Economic Cooperation

The U.S. Secretary of State emphasized that cooperation between the two countries is not limited to defense and security. “Greece is an important partner in securing the alliance’s economic future,” he said, adding that the two countries wish to deepen their cooperation on emerging technologies.

At the same time, he noted the need to strengthen energy interconnections and pipelines that can contribute to regional energy security.

Cooperation on the Protection of Antiquities

Marco Rubio also mentioned the cooperation between Greece and the U.S. in combating the illicit trafficking of antiquities.

As he noted, the U.S. Department of State, the Department of the Interior, and the FBI, in cooperation with Greek authorities, will work to protect cultural treasures from illicit trafficking. “This is an important initiative for both countries, as in the U.S. we honor the artifacts of Western civilization, just as modern Greeks do,” he said.

In closing, Marco Rubio emphasized that the 6th Strategic Dialogue reflects both the depth and the breadth of the Greek-American relationship. “Today’s Strategic Dialogue reflects the close relationship between the two countries, as well as the breadth of the issues we are working on,” he noted, expressing his hope for continued cooperation “to safeguard our nations and protect our shared interests.”

Source: ERT